AI supported design conversation
Southport is developing a new conference centre. As an illustration of AI supported design I wanted to spend no more than 30 minutes on the design and support of a revolutionary Conference Centre. Developing an AI supported development covering all aspects of design in the required level of detail, would require substantial effect from a team of experts.
Southport is developing a Conference Centre. What I would like to do is develop my ideal conference centre based on my experiences as a visitor and speaker. The conference centres that I am familiar with fell into three broad categories: larger conferences, often international, where there were many separate technology threads across a specific theme, e.g. “AI within public infrastructure”. Many different speakers would cover each thread, so a company would generally needs to send a team to ensure they where able to cover topics that crossed threads; Smaller specialised conferences where participants are expected to meet with suppliers during breaks and meal times; showcases where supplier display their products and have experts on hand to answer questions. One question that is often asked about Southport is “can it utilise its position as an international network hub?”. Let us build my ideal conference centre based on these elements. The Conference Centre is to be relatively small by international standards It will focus on the use of advanced technologies. There will be a resident showcase of advanced technologies that is constantly updated and refreshed to cover on-line conferences. The on-line conferences will be AI driven. The idea is that organisations may send one or two participants to the conference centre, with other members involved in the AI driven on-line event. The permanent showcase will be mirrored with AI driven conference materials and an AI knowledge base. A library of AI driven conference style on-line material will be permanently available. Avatars will be used of contributors and conference centre staff. Can you build on this scenario.
Absolutely, David. Let’s build out your ideal conference centre for Southport—a visionary, AI-enabled hub that blends physical presence with intelligent digital reach. This concept not only reflects your deep experience in technology and business change, but also positions Southport as a global exemplar for hybrid innovation, knowledge exchange, and inclusive transformation.
Southport Advanced Technology Conference Centre (SATCC)
Strategic Purpose
To serve as a hybrid hub for advanced technology dialogue, experimentation, and collaboration—leveraging Southport’s international connectivity and leadership in AI-enabled public infrastructure.
Core Design Principles
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Hybrid by Design | Seamlessly blends physical and AI-driven digital experiences |
| Threaded & Thematic | Supports multi-threaded conferences across strategic themes |
| Permanent Showcase | Live and digital exhibits of emerging technologies |
| AI-Driven Engagement | Intelligent content curation, avatars, and adaptive learning |
| Scalable & Inclusive | Designed for small teams, global reach, and continuous access |
Key Components
1. Threaded Conference Architecture
- Multiple technology threads per theme (e.g., “AI in Public Infrastructure”, “Digital Health”, “Ethical AI”)
- Speaker clusters per thread, with cross-thread synthesis sessions
- AI-curated agendas tailored to each participant’s interests and role
- Team-based attendance model: 1–2 onsite, others join via AI-powered virtual stream
2. Permanent Showcase of Advanced Technologies
- Rotating exhibits from suppliers, startups, and research labs
- Live demos + expert Q&A pods
- Mirrored in a digital twin with:
- AI-narrated walkthroughs
- Avatar-led product explainers
- Interactive simulations
3. AI-Driven Online Conferences
- Hosted on a dedicated platform with:
- Real-time translation
- Adaptive content delivery
- Thread-specific breakout rooms
- Copilot-style agents guide users through sessions, suggest content, and answer questions
4. AI Knowledge Base & Content Library
- Archive of past conferences, talks, and showcases
- Searchable by theme, speaker, sector, and use case
- Includes:
- AI-generated summaries
- Avatar-led explainers
- Prompt libraries for business experimentation
5. Avatars & Conversational Interfaces
- Contributors and staff represented by AI avatars for:
- Welcome tours
- Session moderation
- Showcase guidance
- Optional personalized avatars for repeat attendees and speakers
Leveraging Southport’s International Network Hub Status
- Global access via AI-driven virtual platform
- International speaker participation without travel barriers
- Cross-border collaboration through shared digital spaces
- Real-time translation and cultural adaptation for inclusive engagement
Strategic Impact
| Outcome | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Model AI-enabled town | Demonstrates how local infrastructure can support global innovation |
| Business capability uplift | Small teams gain access to world-class content and tools |
| Supplier engagement | Continuous showcase drives adoption and feedback loops |
| Knowledge equity | AI-driven access ensures no one is left behind |
Next Steps
Would you like to co-design:
- A sample conference theme and thread map?
- The AI avatar interaction flow?
- A digital twin showcase layout?
- The Knowledge Base architecture?
I can also help draft a stakeholder pitch or visual concept deck to bring this vision to life.
Lets look at it from the direction of a speaker or expert working on a stand. They will have a story they want to tell. However, what is missing is a view of what potential customer are looking for. This requires customer to get an early view of materials. This could be AI led. Can you provide possible opportunities.
Absolutely, David. Let’s explore how your AI-enabled conference centre can empower speakers and stand experts to tell compelling stories—while also using AI to surface what potential customers are truly looking for. This bridges the gap between expert narrative and audience insight, creating a dynamic, responsive showcase environment.
Opportunity Framework: AI-Led Engagement for Speakers & Experts
Challenge
Speakers and stand experts often prepare rich, thematic content—but lack early insight into what attendees or potential customers are most curious about. This limits relevance, engagement, and follow-up.
AI-Led Opportunities to Bridge the Gap
1. Pre-Event AI Interest Mapping
- How it works: Attendees interact with an AI concierge before the event (via web, WhatsApp, Teams)
- They answer a few questions or explore themes
- AI aggregates interest clusters (e.g., “AI for water infrastructure”, “Ethical AI in procurement”)
- Benefit: Speakers receive a dashboard of audience interests before the event
2. AI-Powered Preview Booths
- Attendees can preview short AI-generated summaries of speaker content or stand materials
- Delivered via avatar, chatbot, or interactive screen
- Attendees can “like”, “bookmark”, or “ask questions” in advance
- Benefit: Experts see what’s resonating and adapt their story accordingly
3. Live AI Feedback Loop
- During the event, AI agents track:
- Questions asked
- Content accessed
- Engagement hotspots
- Experts receive real-time nudges: “Interest in your ethical AI demo is rising—consider highlighting X”
4. Post-Event AI Insight Reports
- AI analyses attendee interactions, questions, and feedback
- Generates personalised follow-up prompts for speakers:
- “Here’s how to tailor your next talk for public sector buyers”
- “These three questions came up most—consider adding them to your next deck”
5. AI-Enhanced Storytelling Tools
- Experts can use Copilot to:
- Draft adaptive presentations based on audience profiles
- Generate avatar-led explainers for their stand
- Create interactive Q&A flows that respond to live interest
Integration with the Conference Centre Ecosystem
| Feature | Role |
|---|---|
| AI Concierge Bot | Gathers attendee interests pre-event |
| Digital Twin Showcase | Mirrors stand content with AI-driven previews |
| Copilot Studio Agents | Support speakers with adaptive content and feedback |
| Knowledge Hub | Stores and tags speaker materials for ongoing access |
| Avatar Interface | Delivers speaker stories in engaging, scalable formats |
Strategic Impact
- Speakers become adaptive storytellers, not static presenters
- Attendees feel heard and engaged, even before arriving
- Southport leads the way in AI-enhanced knowledge exchange and supplier engagement
Would you like to co-design a speaker dashboard prototype, an AI concierge flow, or a template for adaptive storytelling? I can also help sketch how this fits into the permanent showcase and online library.
Let us look at the ongoing running of the Conference Centre and support AI can provide. Let us assume that all documents relating to the design, build and maintenance schedules are on-line and available to an AI assistant. All event details, schedules and future opportunities are available. How can AI help in on-going maintenance, refurbishments, operation, plus event design and scheduling. Also strategic planning based on future trends and Ai capabilities.
Absolutely, David. Let’s build out the AI-enabled operational and strategic framework for the Southport Advanced Technology Conference Centre (SATCC), mirroring the Innovation Centre’s intelligence but tailored to the unique demands of a hybrid, showcase-driven venue.
AI Support for Ongoing Operations at the Southport Conference Centre
Strategic Purpose
To create a self-optimising, AI-enhanced venue that supports dynamic event programming, continuous technology showcasing, and global hybrid engagement—positioning Southport as a model for future-ready conference infrastructure.
1. Facility Operations & Maintenance
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Predictive Maintenance | AI monitors footfall, environmental sensors, and equipment logs to forecast servicing needs (e.g., AV systems, lighting, HVAC) |
| Usage-Based Refurbishment | AI analyses traffic patterns and event types to recommend layout changes or upgrades |
| Supplier Coordination | AI agents manage contracts, compare quotes, and schedule refurbishments with minimal disruption |
| Energy Optimisation | AI adjusts lighting, heating, and ventilation based on occupancy and event type |
2. Event Design, Scheduling & Hybrid Delivery
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Smart Scheduling | AI balances room availability, speaker preferences, and attendee profiles to optimise event flow |
| Theme & Thread Mapping | AI scans global trends and local interest to suggest relevant conference themes and multi-threaded structures |
| Hybrid Experience Design | AI helps design mirrored online events with avatars, digital twins, and adaptive content delivery |
| Speaker & Supplier Matching | AI recommends speakers and exhibitors based on audience interest and strategic themes |
3. Showcase Management & Digital Twin Integration
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Content Refresh Cycles | AI tracks emerging technologies and supplier updates to recommend showcase rotations |
| Digital Twin Sync | AI ensures the online showcase mirrors the physical one, with avatar-led demos and interactive explainers |
| Visitor Engagement Analytics | AI monitors which exhibits attract attention and suggests layout or content adjustments |
4. Strategic Planning & Future Trends
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Trend Forecasting | AI scans global publications, patents, and datasets to identify emerging technologies and policy shifts |
| Scenario Modelling | AI simulates different strategic directions (e.g., “What if we host a global AI ethics summit?”) and forecasts impact |
| Stakeholder Insight | AI analyses feedback, engagement, and sentiment to guide strategic decisions |
| Revenue & Impact Forecasting | AI models financial and reputational outcomes of proposed events or partnerships |
5. Knowledge Integration & Decision Support
| Function | AI Capability |
|---|---|
| Document Analysis | Copilot reviews design, build, and operational documents to answer questions or generate summaries |
| Cross-System Reasoning | AI links event data, maintenance logs, and showcase performance to optimise planning |
| Board Briefings | AI generates strategic reports, visual dashboards, and decision-ready summaries for leadership teams |
Strategic Impact
- Operational Excellence: AI ensures the Centre runs smoothly, efficiently, and adaptively
- Global Reach: Hybrid events and digital showcases extend Southport’s influence internationally
- Continuous Innovation: AI-curated content and supplier engagement keep the Centre future-facing
- Exemplar Status: Demonstrates how AI can transform civic venues into strategic assets
Southport Innovation Centre 